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Fifth wheel support assembly with slide limiter

a technology of support assembly and fifth wheel, which is applied in the direction of towing devices, vehicle components, transportation and packaging, etc., can solve the problems of deficient force distribution to the vehicle frame, additional manufacturing steps and costs, and add weight to the vehicle, so as to reduce manufacturing time and cost and improve the effect of force distribution

Active Publication Date: 2014-09-09
SAF HOLLAND INC (US)
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is related to a slide limiting assembly for a slideable fifth wheel hitch plate assembly. This assembly is designed to prevent the hitch plate assembly from detaching from the vehicle. Additionally, a slide stop is utilized that reduces manufacturing costs and improves force distribution when loading a rail. These features make the slide limiting assembly safer and more efficient for use.

Problems solved by technology

Restricting slidable movement of such hitch assemblies has required additional manufacturing steps and costs adding weight to the vehicle and deficiently distributing force to a vehicle's frame.

Method used

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  • Fifth wheel support assembly with slide limiter
  • Fifth wheel support assembly with slide limiter
  • Fifth wheel support assembly with slide limiter

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0022]For purposes of the description herein, the terms “upper,”“lower,”“right,”“left,”“rear,”“front,”“vertical,”“horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0023]Referring to FIGS. 1-12, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a sliding fifth wheel hitch assembly. The sliding fifth wheel hitch assembly 10 includes a longitudinal rail 12 having a substantially vertical side...

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PUM

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Abstract

A sliding fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a longitudinal rail having a substantially vertical side member, a first end portion, and a second end portion. At least one carriage bracket is slidably engaged with the longitudinal rail. The carriage bracket is adapted to support a hitch plate. An engagement assembly is coupled with the carriage bracket for releasably engaging the longitudinal rail along a length of the longitudinal rail between the first and second end portions. At least one slide stop laterally extends from the substantially vertical side member of the longitudinal rail proximate at least a select one of the first end portion and the second end portion. The slide stop is positioned to abut the carriage bracket, thereby limiting a sliding motion of the hitch plate with respect to the longitudinal rail.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims the benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 639,412, filed Apr. 27, 2012, entitled FIFTH WHEEL SUPPORT ASSEMBLY WITH SLIDE LIMITER, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to fifth wheel hitch plate assemblies. More specifically slidable hitch plate assemblies for fifth wheels, wherein the sliding motion of the hitch plate is limited.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Fifth wheel hitch assemblies have been adapted to include a slidably movable portion. Restricting slidable movement of such hitch assemblies has required additional manufacturing steps and costs adding weight to the vehicle and deficiently distributing force to a vehicle's frame.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0004]According to one aspect of the present invention, a sliding fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a longitudinal rail havin...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B62D53/08B62D53/06B60D1/01
CPCB60D1/015B62D53/06B62D53/08
Inventor KEATLEY, JUSTIN
Owner SAF HOLLAND INC (US)